One day, we decided to take a road trip to Dubrovnik. As we glanced at the map, we figured the coastal road looked like the prettiest option—so off we went! And let me tell you, that decision was perfect. The views were nothing short of jaw-dropping.
Croatia’s coastal road, called Makarska Riviera or the famous D8, winds along the stunning Dalmatian coast, treating drivers to endless views of the sparkling Adriatic, charming seaside towns, and dramatic cliffs. It’s not just a drive; it’s an experience—complete with secret beaches, postcard-worthy villages, and enough scenery to make your camera beg for mercy.
Naturally, we had to make a few stops along the way to soak it all in. Here’s where we pulled over to explore:
Omiš
Omiš is a picture-perfect coastal town squeezed between towering cliffs and the mouth of the Cetina River. It is famous for its pirate history, outdoor adventures, and stunning scenery.
Velika Plaža
After parking the car, we decided to take a leisurely stroll around town. Our first stop was Velika Beach (Velika Plaža), where we spotted a few brave souls dipping into the sea. Honestly, I can totally see this place being packed in the summer, but in chilly April? The water looked very nice—from a safe, dry distance. 😅
Mirabella Fortress
As we wandered through town, we noticed a fortress perched up on the hill. Naturally, curiosity got the best of us, and after a quick Google search, we learned it was Mirabella Fortress. Built in the 12th century, it once served as a pirate hideout. The route to the fortress was well-marked with signs through the Old Town, so finding it wasn’t an issue. A short uphill walk later, we reached the entrance, where we paid a €5 fee (cash only).
Mirabella itself is quite small, with not much beyond multiple viewpoints, but what it lacks in size, it makes up for with the absolutely breathtaking panoramic views. Totally worth the climb and the fee.
Starigrad Fortress
I’d read about another fortress nearby—Starigrad Fortress (a.k.a. Fortica)—which supposedly offers even more spectacular views. But, considering it’s an hour-long hike one way, we had to leave that adventure for another day. If you check out the photo below, you’ll see both fortresses: Mirabella in the bottom-left and the much higher Fortica in the top-right.
Old Town
After soaking in the views, we headed back down to explore Omiš’s Old Town and find a cozy spot for lunch. The town itself is small—you can easily wander through it in 30 minutes or so—but it’s incredibly charming, with its cobbled streets, historic churches, and tucked-away restaurants that make you want to linger just a little longer.
Having explored enough, we hopped into the car to go to our next destination.
Makarska
Makarska was our next stop, and it was every bit as picturesque as you’d imagine a Croatian coastal town to be. This little gem is famed for its stunning pebble beaches, crystal-clear turquoise waters, and the Biokovo Mountain looming in the background. It’s the kind of place that’s buzzing with activity, thanks to its vibrant waterfront promenade, many outdoor adventures, and ferries ready to whisk you away to nearby islands.
Since we were only making a quick stop, we opted for a short stroll to soak in the atmosphere, check out the beach, and explore the area. Yet again, I found myself wishing it was just a bit warmer so I could actually jump into that inviting water! But alas, April had other plans, so I had to settle for admiring the sea from a safe, dry distance… once again. 😅
Ston
Since we went for the budget-friendly car rental option, we didn’t pay extra to cross the border into Bosnia and Herzegovina. This meant we had to take a slightly longer but incredibly scenic route via the Pelješac Bridge, leading us through the Pelješac Peninsula in Croatia instead.
On the way, I had read about a small town called Ston, known for its centuries-old salt pans, oyster farms, and fresh seafood—sounded interesting enough for a quick stop. What I wasn’t expecting, however, were the massive medieval walls, often called the “European Wall of China,” dramatically wrapping around the mountain.
To be honest, Ston ended up being my favorite town in all of Croatia—I loved it so much that we made a second stop there on our way back to Split!
Walls of Ston
The Walls of Ston form the longest complete fortress system in Europe, second in size only to the Great Wall of China. As we approached the town, I spotted the impressive fortifications and instantly got excited. Without much debate, we pulled over and decided to explore the walls. There was an entrance fee of €10 per person to visit.
Originally built between the 14th and 18th centuries, the walls were constructed to protect both the city and its most valuable resource—salt. Back in the day, salt was considered “white gold” and was even used as currency. The walls originally stretched 7 km, but today, about 5 km remain, including a 3 km section clinging dramatically to the hillside, connecting Ston and Mali Ston.
Since we were short on time and still had to make it to Dubrovnik, we opted for a short 20-minute hike along the walls to get a feel for them. There was also an option to walk the full Ston-to-Mali Ston route (which takes under an hour), but we had to skip it this time. Some sections leading up the mountain were also under renovation, so in the near future, visitors may be able to climb even higher for even better views.
Even with our shorter hike, we were rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the fortress walls, town, and Europe’s oldest operating saltworks.
Fun fact for GoT fans: These famous walls were used as filming locations for King’s Landing and The Eyrie in Game of Thrones!
Ston Salt Works
Ston’s salt pans are some of the oldest in Europe, dating all the way back to Roman times. For centuries, this salt—often referred to as “white gold”—brought great prosperity to the region. If you’re interested in traditional salt-making, you can visit the Solana Ston Museum to learn more about the process and even buy some locally harvested salt as a souvenir. We skipped the museum as my boyfriend was afraid I would bring home even more salt, and we have enough for the next 20 years 😛
Oysters of Ston & Mali Ston
Now, I have to admit—we’re not big oyster fans, so we skipped this experience. But Ston and Mali Ston are world-famous for their oysters, specifically the European flat oyster, which can only be found in the Mali Ston Bay. Apparently, they are some of the best in the world, so if you’re an oyster lover, you might want to try them for yourself.
If you want more info on the oysters, check out this website: Mali Ston Oysters
Exploring Ston’s Old Town
Since we were in a rush to get to Dubrovnik, we didn’t have time to explore the Old Town on the way there. But we made sure to stop by on our way back to Split!
Like many historic Croatian towns, Ston is full of charm, with its narrow cobbled streets, centuries-old buildings, and cozy restaurants tucked into hidden corners. It’s a lovely place for a leisurely stroll and a perfect spot to grab a bite to eat.
Kaštio Fort
Part of the ancient defensive walls of Ston, Kaštio Fort was built in the 14th century and offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Unlike the walls, the fort is easily accessible from the parking lot, so you can check it out without needing to hike up the fortifications.
Mali Ston
I was so in love with Ston that on our way back to Split, we decided to make a quick stop in its neighboring village, Mali Ston (a.k.a. “Small Ston”).
Mali Ston Bay is where the freshwater meets the Adriatic Sea, creating the perfect conditions for oyster farming. This little village is world-famous for its oysters, but since we’re not exactly oyster enthusiasts, we skipped the seafood experience and instead spent our time wandering through the charming narrow streets.
The village itself is tiny, but it has a certain quiet charm—the kind of place where you can just stroll around, soak in the atmosphere, and admire the mix of history and nature. We found ourselves drawn to the small, weathered houses at the edge of the village, some of which were slowly being reclaimed by nature.
With the warm sun, the gentle sea breeze, and the peaceful vibe, it was the perfect spot to take a break and just enjoy the moment before heading back to Split.
